reykjavik
Viðey Island — Reykjavík's Island Escape
About Viðey Island — Reykjavík's Island Escape
Viðey Island is 1.6 km² (about 1.5 km long, 1 km wide), located 700m offshore from Skarfabakki harbour northeast of Reykjavík. The island is uninhabited except for summer café staff and conservation workers. **Ferry:** Elding operates ferry from Skarfabakki (near Harpa) May–September, approximately hourly 10:15–17:00. Journey 5 minutes. Winter service reduced (weekends only). Round-trip included in Reykjavík City Card. **Viðeyjarstofa House:** Built 1755–1763, Iceland's first stone building. Originally merchant's house. Now small museum and summer café (June–August). **Imagine Peace Tower:** Yoko Ono memorial to John Lennon, unveiled 2007. Wishing well with 'Imagine Peace' in 24 languages. Light beam illuminates October 9–December 8 each year (visible from Reykjavík). **Nature:** Car-free, mostly grassland and low shrubs. Arctic terns nest May–August (aggressive toward visitors — bring a hat). Eider ducks, gulls, ravens common. Views across Faxaflói bay. **Walking:** 7 km of paths circling island. Allow 2–3 hours for full circuit. Flat terrain, easy walking.
🐉 The Island John Lennon Never Saw
Yoko Ono chose Viðey for the Imagine Peace Tower because John loved Iceland — though he never visited. The light that shines from the island each winter is visible across Reykjavík, a beam of peace over the city.
📖 History of Viðey Island — Reykjavík's Island Escape
Viðey settled c. 900s. Augustinian monastery founded 1225 (dissolved at Reformation 1539). Viðeyjarstofa built 1755 as merchant/sheriff residence — Iceland's first stone building. Island farmed until 1940s, then abandoned. Imagine Peace Tower unveiled 2007 on what would have been John Lennon's 67th birthday. Island now protected nature reserve.
💡 Did You Know?
The Imagine Peace Tower's light beam is powered by geothermal energy — the wishing well sits atop a shaft drilled into bedrock where geothermal water generates electricity for the lights.
Key Facts
5 min ferry from Reykjavík (Skarfabakki)
Iceland's oldest stone building: Viðeyjarstofa (1755)
Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower (light beam Oct 9–Dec 8)
Car-free island — 7 km walking paths
Arctic terns nest in summer (aggressive!)
💎 Hidden Gems
The East Coast Bird Cliffs
The far eastern shore has low cliffs where guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes nest — less famous than Arctic terns but more interesting to watch.
The 360° Summit View
Viðey's highest point (32 metres) offers a complete panorama: Reykjavík spreading south, Esja to the north, Reykjanes peninsula west, and on clear days Snæfellsjökull glacier 120 km away.
🕐 Best Time
Summer for frequent ferries; Oct–Dec evenings for Peace Tower light
🚗 Access
Ferry from Skarfabakki (May–Sep hourly, Oct–Apr weekends)
⏱ Duration
Half day
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Arctic terns attack me?▾
Probably yes if you visit May–August. They nest on the island and dive-bomb anyone who comes near. Bring a hat or stick to hold above your head — they'll attack the highest point.
Can I see the Peace Tower light year-round?▾
No — it illuminates only October 9 (John Lennon's birthday) through December 8 (anniversary of his death). Winter nights only.
📍 GPS Location
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